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The journey from the grand colonial streets of Kolkata to the ancient riverside city of Patna is a transition from West Bengal's intellectual heart to the historic capital of Bihar. As you leave the Hooghly River behind and head toward the Ganges, you move between two of India's most significant cultural hubs. The route shows the changing landscape of the Indo-Gangetic Plain, where lush greenery gradually gives way to the bustling energy of one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited places.
Depending on whether you prioritize speed, budget or the classic Indian rail experience, you have several ways to make the trip, from a quick flight to overnight trains. You can compare and book your tickets for this route on GoAsia.cc.
Kolkata to Patna by Train
The train is the most authentic way to travel this route. The Kolkata-Patna Express (13131) leaves Kolkata at 19:50 and reaches Patna Junction at 09:45 the next morning.[1] The Duronto Express (22213) is faster: it leaves Shalimar at 22:05 and arrives in Patna Junction at 06:40.[2] On the way back, the Duronto (22214) leaves Patna at 20:45 and the Kolkata-Patna Express (13132) at 17:10.
Choosing Your Class
In 1A (AC First Class) you get a lockable cabin, which is ideal if you value privacy. 2A (AC 2-Tier) offers open-plan berths with curtains. The most common choice is 3A (AC 3-Tier) or the more compact 3E (AC 3-Tier Economy): both are air-conditioned and provide bedding, a good middle ground for budget-conscious travelers. For a cheap ticket, Sleeper Class (SL) and Second Sitting (2S) have no air conditioning.
Kolkata to Patna by Flight
If time is your main concern, flying is the clear winner. IndiGo flies non-stop from Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU) to Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport (PAT) in about 1 hour 5 minutes to 1 hour 15 minutes.[3] Airport procedures add some time, but it remains the quickest way to cover the distance, which suits business travelers and anyone on a tight schedule.
Kolkata to Patna by Bus
Buses are a flexible alternative, especially if train tickets are sold out. The road journey takes much longer than the train, as it crosses the busy highways of West Bengal and Bihar. AC sleeper buses with small bunks make the long overnight haul more bearable, while non-AC options suit those on a very tight budget, though heat and dust can be a factor in the warmer months.
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Service | Departs | Arrives |
|---|---|---|---|
| Train | Kolkata-Patna Express (13131) | 19:50 | 09:45 (next day)[1] |
| Train | Duronto Express (22213) | 22:05 (Shalimar) | 06:40 (next day)[2] |
| Flight | IndiGo non-stop | Daily, e.g. 10:25 | About 1h 5m later[3] |
Tips for Traveling from Kolkata to Patna
- Book Trains Early: The Kolkata-Patna rail route is very popular, and AC classes often sell out weeks in advance, especially during festival seasons like Durga Puja or Chhath Puja.
- Station Selection: Check whether your train departs from Howrah, Sealdah, Shalimar or Kolkata station. They are in different parts of the city.
- Airport Transit: Allow plenty of time to reach Kolkata airport, as city traffic can be unpredictable, particularly at peak office hours.
- Food and Water: Some premium trains provide meals, but carry your own snacks and bottled water. Buses usually stop at a roadside dhaba for dinner.
- Arrival in Patna: The city can be very congested. Use pre-paid taxi booths or ride-sharing apps to avoid overpaying for the last leg to your hotel.
Timetable
| Flight Kolkata - Patna $ 34.82–37.38 1h – 1h 25m | |
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| Bus Kolkata - Patna $ 11.41–18.60 12h 45m – 15h 25m | |
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| Train Kolkata - Patna $ 11.45 9h 18m | |
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| Train Howrah - Patna $ 5.80–33.61 6h 50m – 10h 13m | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Kolkata to Patna, including current prices and schedules.
The train, in Second Sitting (2S) or Sleeper (SL) class, is the budget option. These classes do not have air conditioning.
Flying. A non-stop IndiGo flight takes about 1 hour 5 minutes to 1 hour 15 minutes. Including airport time, it is still much quicker than the train or bus.
A flight takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. The Duronto Express takes about 8.5 hours overnight, the Kolkata-Patna Express about 14 hours, and buses take longer than the train.
Yes. The Kolkata-Patna Express and the Duronto Express both run overnight, and there are sleeper buses.
It depends on the train. The Duronto Express (22213) leaves from Shalimar and the Kolkata-Patna Express (13131) from Kolkata station. Always check the departure station on your ticket.
The train is generally preferred because it is faster and more comfortable. Buses are a good backup if train tickets are fully booked for your dates.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] Indian Railways (CRIS): Mail/Express Trains list. Retrieved November 4, 2026.
- [2] Indian Railways (CRIS): Duronto Train Names with Details. Retrieved November 4, 2026.
- [3] IndiGo: Kolkata to Patna Flights. Retrieved November 4, 2026.
Guide prices and journey times are indicative, not live quotes. A booked package may include transfers and waiting time as well as the main journey. Check the selected offer, pickup point and current conditions before booking.